Gary Coleman first picked up a bow in 2014 after a come and try day. He left that
event and bought a compound bow that afternoon. After shooting for 12
months, he gave it up due to injury. Fast forward to 2020 and he picked
up the bow again and never looked back.
He explained that, originally, he started shooting again just to get out and
meet people in a familiar environment, but the thrill of competition was
such that it spurred him on to set himself much higher goals and
challenge himself to prove that age is just a number and Archery is a
sport for everyone. In 2024 Gary made his World Cup debut, and then
again in 2025. Along the way he has won numerous national titles in
both target and field, set multiple records and has been ranked in the top
3 consistently for the last 3 years.
When asked what his future goals are he replied, “My immediate goal is
to keep improving and try to make the NZ Team for the Oceania
Championships again this year, but I think, like most of us, the next big
goal will be to help NZ secure an Olympic spot at LA 2028”
